Do You Want to Really Live?

May 9, 2025

Everyone wants to live “the good life,” but what does that mean?  Many think the good life is being wealthy, living in comfort, or retiring early.  Some think the good life is one of partying and fun.  Some may think it is found in a very successful career.  How would you define the good life?  And how can you obtain it? 

Listen to these inspired words of David:

“Do you want to really live? Would you love to live a long, happy life?

 Then make sure you don’t speak evil words or use deceptive speech.

 Turn away from evil and do what is right. Strive for peace and promote it.” (Psalm 34:12-14 NET)

So, how can we really live?  First, we must control our speech.  We need to choose to not speak evil.  Evil words include things like gossip and slander.  It would include words that are spoken in a fit of anger that wound another person.  Things like these can make our lives miserable (by our own doing) and rob us of the good life.  We must also choose to not speak words that are deceitful.  Lying or misleading people with our words brings much trouble and sorrow.  On the other hand, using words that are filled with love, with truth, and encouragement will not only bless those around us, but will bring God’s blessings into our lives.

Second, to really live, we must turn away from evil.  We live in a world that is full of evil.  You and I must choose not to participate in deeds of darkness, and we must strive to not let it influence us or our families.  But it is not enough to turn away from evil.  We need to also do what is right.  We face the choice to do right or wrong on a daily basis.  If you want to really live, choose what is right!  Then the rich blessings of God will flow into your life.

Finally, to really live, we need to strive for peace and promote it.  How does one promote peace?  By being humble toward others, by speaking with gentleness and grace, by being patient with others, and by forgiving those who have wronged us—just as the Lord forgave us.  We promote peace by refusing to keep a record of wrongs and by choosing to not harbor resentment and bitterness toward others.  When we fail to pursue peace, we will bring a lot of sorrow into our own lives.  But if we will follow the way of peace, we will be richly blessed.  Those who sow peace will reap its beautiful fruit. 

How might we summarize these instructions?  Live like Christ.  Reflect His love.  Those who do will find true life!

—Scott Colvin

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Posted by Scott Colvin

Trustworthy Speech

August 29, 2023

Psalm 15 is a beautiful description of the character that God wants in His people.  The psalm begins in this way: “O LORD, who may abide in Your tent?  Who may dwell on Your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1 NAS95) Who is it that God will allow into His presence?  Who may live in God’s tent on His mountain?  Much of the answer that follows is focused on our speech.  Only those who have integrity of speech may come before the Lord.

Who may come into God’s presence?  It is the one who “speaks truth in his heart.” (Psalm15:2 NAS95)What does this mean?  To speak truth is to speak what is correct (to the best of our ability), but also that our words would be trustworthy.  Can people rely on the things you say? When you speak, can people take it to the bank?  Do you follow through on your verbal commitments?  What does it mean to speak truth in the heart? Our words must be sincere.  The things we say should truly line up with the thoughts of our heart.  Contrast this with the ungodly and unfaithful person of Psalm 12.  “They speak falsehood to one another; With flattering lips and with a double heart they speak.” (Psalm 12:2 NAS95)  

The one who may dwell in God’s presence is one who “does not slander with his tongue.” (Psalm 15:3 NAS95) Our words should never tear down another person.  Perhaps, in our hearts, we have a low opinion of someone, or think negatively of something they have done.  In those cases, it is wise to think very carefully before we speak.  Slander is a serious offense in the eyes of God.

In verse four, we see once again the importance of integrity of speech. The one who may dwell in God’s presence is one who “swears to his own hurt and does not change…” (Psalm 15:4 NAS95) This is a person who will not go back on his word, even if it later becomes clear that it is going to cost him.  Yes, to go back on what you said you would do is sometimes necessary (in cases of emergency or serious unforeseen circumstances) but doing so should never be done lightly.  As the people of God, let us make sure that our word is as good as gold.

—Scott Colvin

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The Power of the Tongue

May 17, 2022

What is the most powerful part of the human body?  What would you say?  The brain?  Perhaps the arms or the legs?  Spiritually speaking, the most powerful part of the body is the tongue.  There is tremendous power for good or for evil in our speech.  As Solomon says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21a, NASB) We must all choose if we are going to use the power of our tongues for death or life, to tear down or to build up, to hurt or to heal. 

Let us carefully consider the following proverbs concerning the power of the tongue.

“There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18, NASB)

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.  (Proverbs 15:1, NASB)

“A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4, NASB)

“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” (Proverbs 15:28, NASB)

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24, NASB)

“A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are as a scorching fire.” (Proverbs 16:26, NASB)

Are your words a fountain of life?  Do they soothe, comfort, and heal?  Or do your words slash, scorch, and set ablaze?  Yes, there is great power for destruction in our tongues, but we must also understand that there is tremendous power for helping and blessing others.  Think of all the good you can accomplish with your tongue today!  Is there someone you can encourage today?  Is there someone to whom you can bring words of comfort?  Is there someone whose spirit you can help to heal?  Death and life are in the power of the tongue!  Let us choose our words carefully.

—Scott Colvin

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